HEALTH boards are to get an extra £3 million to help cope with the added pressure faced by the NHS in winter, the Scottish Government has announced.

Norovirus (the winter vomiting bug), higher numbers of falls, fractures and respiratory illnesses can all put a strain on the health service during the colder months.

The additional funding was announced after warnings that higher-than-normal levels of the vomiting bug could be recorded this winter.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said the money will help make sure the NHS is "fighting fit for winter".

NHS boards will be able to use the cash to provide extra out-of-hours cover from senior medics, as well as increased home support services, to make sure people can go home from hospital as soon as they are well enough.

Mr Neil said: "We know that health services face added pressure in the winter months and NHS boards have to be ready to manage potential increases in demand. Our health service reviews its performance each winter, with planning under way before most people have even had a chance to think about their summer holidays.

"But however much we plan, there are still extra measures that can be put in place to make sure the winter runs smoothly. This funding supports NHS boards to further reduce lengths of stay in hospital, helping patients get back to their homes as soon as they are ready. This will benefit the patient and help make the most effective use of resources.

"These measures are over and above what NHS boards have already put in place and will make sure that our NHS is fighting fit for winter."

Scotland's top doctor, Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns said that while rates of the norovirus fluctuate from year to year there are "indications that there could be higher-than-normal levels circulating this winter".

He said: "The virus is highly infectious and unpleasant and while most people make a full recovery with no complications, it can put added pressure on our hospitals."